Assembly Repubs To Dems: Don't Tell Us No

Yesterday I noted the Assembly’s Democrats spokesman Dan Weiller’s objection to the Republican’s use of the term “hearing”Â in their hearing, forum, public discussion or whatever, on the proposed Thruway toll hikes, which is a big deal upstate and a potential problem for both parties.

Weiller said only the head of a particular committee can, technically, call a hearing and now, his Republican counterpart, Josh Fitzpatrick has a reply, noting that the law doesn’t prohibitÂ members of the minority from holding a hearing.

While this appears to be a minor semantic point, I’d say the dust-up does suggest that, like licenses, the toll issue could be with us for some time.

For you lawyers or would be legal scholars, here is his citation:

Â§ 4 Hearings
Â
a During each legislative session, chairpersons of standing committees may call public hearings to permit interested persons, groups or organizations the opportunity to testify orally or in writing on legislation or other matters pending before such standing committee provided, however, that each chairperson shall call such public hearings upon a petition signed by a majority of the members of the committee.
Â
b Consistent with the provisions of subdivision c of section one of Rule IV hereof, the chair person of each standing committee shall call at least one public hearing after the adoption of the state budget regarding the implementation and administration of programs of departments, agencies, divisions, authorities, boards, commissions, public benefit corporations and other entities within the jurisdiction of such committee.Â The purpose of such public hearing shall include, but not be limited to, the impact, if any, of the state budget on the implementation and administration of the programs within such entitlesâ€™ jurisdiction.
Â
c Other public hearings may be called by committee chairpersons with prior consent of the Speaker and in accordance with procedure established by law.
Â
d Each chairperson shall prepare a schedule setting forth the date and place for hearings and the subject matter to be considered thereat.Â Copies of such schedule shall be made available to the general public and representatives of the news media at least seven days prior to the date of such hearing and filed with the Assembly Public Information Office.
Â